2018: AS FLORIDA GOES, SO GOES THE COUNTRY

BRYCE ON POLITICS

- Pre-voting is more revealing than any poll.

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It's showtime for the 2018 midterm elections, where polls and media contend a "Blue Tide" is going to sweep across the country and the Democrats will reclaim the House of Representatives. After all, the press insists, "the party in power historically loses the midterms." The only problem is the media has never met a president like Donald Trump, nor do they understand the country's sense of priorities, where the citizenry prefers peace and prosperity over turmoil.

Certainly, we haven't already forgotten how horribly wrong the media and polls got it in 2016 by picking Hillary Clinton over Mr. Trump in a runaway election? These are the same people who are now predicting the "Blue Tide." Frankly, they are as wrong as they were in 2016.

In 2016, I accurately predicted the outcome of the election, not because I am a polling genius or possess some sixth-sense intuition, but because I simply studied the early voting data in Florida and saw the Republicans rallying to victory. I also knew Florida was an important swing state and realized, as Florida goes, so goes the country. I believe this remains true in 2018. In other words, I have found the early voting data produced by the Florida Division of Elections to be much more reliable than any poll I have come across.

Before we examine the 2018 Florida data, here are some assumptions I have learned over the years:

1. Republicans tend to cast more Mail-In votes (Absentee) than Democrats.

2. Democrats typically cast more Early-Voting votes than Republicans.

3. Democrats do less voting in Midterm elections than in presidential years.

4. Republicans tend to cast more votes on election day than Democrats.

5. There are more registered Democrat voters in Florida as opposed to Republican voters, yet Republicans are more inclined to vote.

6. Independent voters are a key factor. Whoever sways independents, wins the election.

7. The majority of votes cast are during pre-voting, not on election day. (Typically 70% vote early, and 30% vote on election day).

Here are the pre-voting numbers in Florida prior to election day:

NOTES:

1. Pre-voting was approximately 60% of the votes cast in 2016.

2. The GOP is winning in Tampa Bay area and Florida overall.

3. GOP is running away with the Mail-In votes, Dems ahead in Early Voting (same as 2016).

4. Although "Other" party affiliations are lacking far behind, "No Affiliations" (Independents) show a strong turnout.

5. 42.1% of registered Republicans have already voted.
    39.3% of registered Democrats have already voted.
    Translation: Republicans are more aggressively voting than the Democrats.

The biggest difference is the total number of votes cast in Florida between Republicans and Democrats. The GOP took a commanding lead in pre-voting and never let go.

It is impossible to determine how independent voters are voting. Even if it is 50/50 Republican/Democrat split, the Republicans will win. However, we have to remember it was the independent voters who voted Republican in 2016. Floridians appear to be happy with our economic success, whereby the state is #1 in the country for Fiscal Responsibility, and #4 in the Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index. Translation: they prefer peace and prosperity over turmoil and confrontation.

What does this all ultimately mean? There will be a "Red Tide" in 2018, not blue. Ron DeSantis will win the governorship, and Rick Scott will be our next U.S. Senator.

And as mentioned, "as Florida goes, so goes the country." If this is so, it appears the Republicans will maintain control over the House, and will pick-up some Senate seats (I'm estimating five). When this election is over, the media, the polls, and the Democrats will once again wonder "What happened?" And as usual, they will have misunderstood the will of the people.

Keep the Faith!

Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.

Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb1557@gmail.com

For Tim's columns, see:   timbryce.com

Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.

Copyright © 2018 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.

Listen to Tim on WZIG-FM (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; Or tune-in to Tim's channel on YouTube. Click for TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS.

2018 MIDTERMS - WHAT'S AT STAKE?

BRYCE ON POLITICS

- The morality of the country.

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Midterm elections are normally as exciting as watching grass grow. A handful of people usually show up to elect dog catchers and the like. Democrats tend to avoid it like the plague, failing to see the significance of it in comparison to a presidential election. However, in the Age of Trump and the Resistance, the 2018 midterm elections have been electrified and we may very well see some record voting numbers for such an election. This, of course, represents a bonanza for the news media who reaps the financial harvest by whipping the populace into a frenzy.

The media is quick to tell us the party in power normally loses during a midterm election. I would remind them, these are unusual times and we have a President who doesn't play by their rules and is only interested in results, not history.

Elections are meters of our morality. This is where we collectively determine what direction we would like to see the country go. It defines our priorities and values; what is right and what is wrong. To illustrate:

COURTS

This election will determine what kind of Supreme Court we want: Republicans want justices to interpret the Constitution, and Democrats want them to enact law from the bench. Whereas the former is perceived as conservative, the latter represents a liberal approach. This also applies to the Federal benches as well.

This same phenomenon applies to State Supreme Courts. For example, in Florida three vacancies are awaiting to be filled. Should Democrat Andrew Gillum win the governor's race, the three justices will likely be liberal; should Republican Ron DeSantis win, the justices will take a conservative approach.

This aspect alone is highly significant to the midterm elections. In terms of morality, should justices simply interpret law, or pave the way for new laws outside of the scope of the Constitution?

CONSTITUTION

The midterms will also have an impact on the mechanisms embedded in the U.S. Constitution. For example, Democrats want to eliminate the Electoral College and rely totally on the popular vote to decide the victor of presidential elections. On the other hand, the Republicans want to keep the Electoral College "as is" in order to maintain parity between urban and rural America. From a moral standpoint, which is the fairest approach? Should the Electoral College be eliminated, the interests of rural America will be neglected, causing candidates to only focus on the needs of urban areas.

Another area under consideration is the eligibility to vote. Whereas Republicans want all legal citizens to vote, Democrats want to give illegal immigrants and criminals the right to vote. There is also discussion regarding the lowering of the voting age to 16. The question is, what kind of person should be allowed to vote?

THE RULE OF LAW

Some people believe the law should be applied equally to everyone. Others believe exceptions should be granted, that some people are above the law. Republicans believe a person is "innocent until proven guilty" and there should not be a double-standard that allows otherwise ("guilty until proven innocent"). To enforce this, there should be "due process" to entitle citizens to fair and consistent treatment under the law.

The Rule of Law includes Amendment I of the Bill of Rights whereby Congress shall make no law prohibiting "the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Peaceably is the keyword here. This certainly doesn't support the concept of anarchy as advocated by some people in this country today.

So, the moral question becomes, do we believe in adhering to the Rule of Law, or do we prefer mob rule?

SOCIOECONOMICS

The United States was founded as a free enterprise system which is an economic system where government places few restrictions on the types of business activities or ownership by citizens. This is based on the concept of Capitalism which is a celebration of the individual’s right to try and succeed, requiring a sense of risk. In contrast, the Democrats are embracing Socialism which concentrates on the rights of the group overall, controlled by government, thereby suppressing individual initiative and risk. Unlike Capitalism which allows for failure, there is no such sense of loss in Socialism, nor sense of victory. Essentially, everyone receives a trophy, win or lose. The two socioeconomic programs are as different as night and day, and are simply incompatible.

Under Capitalism, the individual is entitled to enjoy the fruits of his/her labor, such as financial rewards. This is an important benefit derived from risk. Under Socialism, there is no such concept, and instead of the individual benefiting, the wealth is evenly distributed to the work force, regardless if they earned it or not. In other words, a weak worker benefits at the same rate as a strong worker.

Democrat Socialists believe in free entitlements for everyone, such as college education, food and housing, transportation, health care, and jobs. This may sound enticing, but they have no clue as to how to pay for all of this other than higher taxes, thereby causing a redistribution of the wealth, which is anti-Capitalist.

The moral question thereby becomes, which system should America embrace? Republicans defend Capitalism, Democrats prefer Socialism.

GLOBALIZATION VS. NATIONALISM

This election is also about adopting a position of Globalization or Nationalism. Globalization, as supported by Democrats, involves the cultural integration of trade, capital, and immigration among the countries of the world. This tends to force countries to lose their identity and become subservient to others. Consequently, we are seeing a push back in the form of Nationalism as in President Trump's policy of "America First," and "Brexit," representing the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union.

Nationalism respects the sovereignty of a country, meaning their ability to manage their own affairs independently. Globalization loosens these restrictions to promote equality of nations and cultures, a form of Socialism. Nationalism respects the rights of the citizen, Globalization respects the rights of everyone, regardless where they are from. Consequently, this has led to the immigration problems plaguing the United States and Europe. In a nutshell, it means caring for anyone crossing our borders. Whereas under Nationalism, immigrants must lawfully apply to be accepted, respect the rule of law, and adapt to society, Globalization is just the reverse.

So, the question becomes do we want to be a sovereign country, where the rule of law is respected, or do we want to have open borders and an amalgamation of cultural laws? Add on to it, the provision for housing, education and healthcare for anyone on our shores.
 

As mentioned, politics is morality in action, as it leads to the the laws, rules, and regulations of a body of people, thereby representing their interpretation of right and wrong. To learn about politics and government is to learn morality. The founding fathers felt strongly about this. So much so, in 1828 the text book, "Elementary Catechism on the Constitution of the United States" by Arthur J. Stansbury, was introduced to teach students government and morality. Having the students learn their rights and freedom was considered important in the early days of this country.

Republicans believe government exists to serve the people. Democrats believe the citizens are subservient. This, of course, represents conflicting interpretations of morality.

On November 6th, we will again determine what is right and what is wrong.

Keep the Faith!

Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.

Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb1557@gmail.com

For Tim's columns, see:   timbryce.com

Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.

Copyright © 2018 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.

Listen to Tim on WZIG-FM (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; Or tune-in to Tim's channel on YouTube. Click for TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS.

THE POLITICAL MISCALCULATIONS OF THE DEMOCRATS

BRYCE ON POLITICS

- How their tactics backfired.

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As expected, this has been an extraordinary midterm election thus far. The Democrats are desperate for a win in order to survive. To do so, they have raised considerable money for Congressional and State races, and tried to create controversy in the court of public opinion. Democrat Congressional candidates alone raised more than one billion dollars for their campaigns, a new record. According to the Campaign Finance Institute, sixty-two House races exceeded $1 million in expenditures (compared to 20 in 2016).

Such expenditures were to be expected, as the Democrats want to retake one or both chambers of Congress, but what about their message?

The Democrats tried to raise the ire of the people on more than one occasion during this political season. Unfortunately, it backfired on them time and again; to illustrate:

* During the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the Democrats characterized him as a deceitful sex offender and expressed their indignation as to his nomination. This may have fired up their base, but it also inflamed their Republican opponents who took this as a call to action and energized their voting. This alone may have cost the Democrats the election.

* Immigration was used twice during this campaign by the Democrats; first, their indignation over separating children from their parents who entered the country illegally. The second was "The Caravan" of Central Americans marching towards the United States bent on entering any way possible. How this group was organized and funded is suspicious, but unlike the Democrats prepared to welcome them with open arms, the country is now acutely aware of the problems with illegal immigration. This has caused them to adamantly support President Trump's southern wall, and call for revised immigration laws. The people realize neither will happen with a Congress controlled by the Democrats. Hence, a push back by the country.

* Health Care continues to be their main message going into this election. The fact remains that Obamacare was a disaster and left a bad taste in the mouths of people. The Democrats may think it is important, but they cannot convince the public their party has the answer for it, other than an unworkable $32.5 trillion boondoggle. In other words, their credibility is shot and the public is willing to wait for a new Congressional term to address the problem.

* The Democrats' attacks on President Trump have continued unabated since he first took office. Despite all of their complaints and accusations, his popularity continues to grow. The reason is simple, he understands the wants and needs of the people, which is why he focused on re-igniting the economy and putting the country back to work. By doing so, he has won over the support of steel workers, coal miners, auto workers, farmers, African-Americans, Latinos, and women, people who had traditionally voted for Democrats.

The re-charged economy is the Achilles' Heel for the Democrats, which explains why they try to sidetrack the American people with Justice Kavanaugh, immigration, and health care, all aimed at distracting people from the real issue of this election: peace and prosperity.

By taking the tactic of creating turmoil, the Democrats have actually done the Republicans a great service by causing high anxiety among the voters, fearing the gravy train may be coming to an abrupt end, thereby stimulating people to vote. Add on to this the surly temperament and mob action of the Democrats, and people will naturally gravitate away from such shenanigans.

The point is, instead of proposing legislation, the Democrats have done nothing more than create high anxiety among the populace who will naturally vote for stability as opposed to helter-skelter. In this way, the Democrats face another loss in 2018, and once again they will wonder why.

Keep the Faith!

Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.

Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb1557@gmail.com

For Tim's columns, see:   timbryce.com

Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.

Copyright © 2018 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.

Listen to Tim on WZIG-FM (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; Or tune-in to Tim's channel on YouTube. Click for TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS.

GOODBYE SEARS, FAREWELL OLD FRIEND

BRYCE ON LIFE

- We're going to miss you.

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No doubt you have heard about Sears recently filing for bankruptcy. The one-time retail giant has been facing crippling losses over the last few years which caused vendors to stop shipping supplies to their stores. It now owes billions of dollars which will likely not be paid back.

At one time there were over 4,000 Sears stores throughout North America. That number has dwindled to less than 700 with liquidation sales to begin shortly.

Sears originally started out as a mail order house, then expanded to stores both in urban and suburban areas, but they eventually felt the competition of discount retailers and specialty stores, such as Walmart and Home Depot, and their market share fell. The knockout punch was the Internet, an area they entered too late allowing others to dominate the market.

To me, it seemed like Sears was with us forever. No matter where I lived, there was always a Sears store nearby. It was dependable, consistent, and good value. It was also clean and meticulously organized, making it easy to find whatever you were looking for. If you couldn't find it, the clerks would be glad to direct you to it and answer any question you might have. As such, the store was like an old, reliable uncle or friend in the neighborhood. You were comfortable in it and, unlike other stores with unthinking clerks, you liked to visit if, for no other reason, than to browse the aisles. This is why I consider this news about the company closing as a sad sign of our changing culture.

As a kid, my brother and I would love to page through the Sears catalog as we approached Christmas time, oohing and ah-hing at the latest toys, and dogear the pages we wanted our parents to see.

Sears was the home of Kenmore appliances, Craftsman tools, and DieHard batteries, products you always had confidence in. A Craftsman tool case was perhaps the most coveted prize to have in your garage. My family bought many a lawn mower at Sears over the years, and had them serviced there as well. Their hallmark was fast, reliable, and dependable service.

The Sears auto repair centers also had a good reputation for reliable work at reasonable prices. If the service man said you needed a new belt on your engine, you knew it wasn't a con job. Nearby was their key center where you could have a duplicate key made quickly. As a lad, I loved watching the people make keys.

Having lived in Chicago, we were all familiar with the Sears Tower which, at the time was the tallest building in the world. It was a dramatic symbol of stability and strength for the company. Chicagoans would later be shocked when it was sold and renamed the Willis Tower, but even today, natives still refer to it by its original name.

This is why the passing of Sears is so troubling and unimaginable to a lot of us. It was a beloved institution which was trusted, possessed a great reputation and was a pleasure to frequent. We were so confident in its durability that it causes us to reflect on our own frailties. Maybe the problem was they simply overextended themselves and no longer could compete with the discount houses anymore. I find it rather ironic that Sears, which was originally devised as a mail order house, fell prey to the 21st century version of the same; you know, the Internet.

And so we turn another page in our culture.

Keep the Faith!

Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.

Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb1557@gmail.com

For Tim's columns, see:   timbryce.com

Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.

Copyright © 2018 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.

Listen to Tim on WZIG-FM (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; Or tune-in to Tim's channel on YouTube. Click for TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS.

MORE POLITICAL CORRECTNESS RUN AMOK

BRYCE ON POLITICAL CORRECTNESS

- We need to study all of our history, not just selected chapters.

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At a recent rally in Lebanon, Ohio (10/12/2018), President Trump happened to bring up the names of the two most famous generals of the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee, describing them both as "great." Liberals accepted Grant's name as he was the Union general, but were outraged for recognizing Lee as the commander of the Army of Northern Virginia.

Here we have another example of political correctness running amok in this country. Even NBC misquoted the President and was forced to apologize later, but the damage had been done. Liberals were incensed the President would recognize Lee at all, someone they bitterly viewed as a racist.

As I grew up in the north, I was taught the North had their generals, and the South had theirs. The emphasis was on their military tactics and strategies, not their politics. The Union won, the Confederacy lost, and a lot of people died in the process. We recognized the North had generals they were proud of, as did the South, and it basically ended there.

Now, in the 21st century, we are being taught by the Left to never discuss anyone in the Confederate States of America (CSA), as they were all allegedly racist. This is simply foolish as the War between the States, is an epochal event in the development of our country and there are many lessons to be learned. However, liberals would rather have us ignore it as the old racist attitudes of the South are too offensive by today's standards. I'm sorry, but burying your head in the sand is just plain foolish.

I would remind my liberal friends of a few simple facts about General Lee.

* When war broke out, President Lincoln offered Lee the command of northern forces. However, he turned it down as he couldn't go against his beloved Virginia.

* Lee had served as Superintendent of the Military Academy at West Point, where many of the cadets were trained and would later serve both the North and the South.

* Lee knew Grant through the Mexican-American War, when Lee was Major and Grant a Lieutenant. At the Appomattox surrender, the two chatted briefly of their days in that war.

* Arlington National Cemetery was Lee's home prior to the war. Following heavy losses after the Battle of the Wilderness, the U.S. Army Quartermaster commandeered Lee's home and buried the Union dead there.

* After the Civil War, Lee became the president of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia where he ably served for five years before passing away. To honor him, the college was renamed "Washington and Lee University" and this name carries forward to today.

Regardless of his position on slavery, militarily, historians agree he was a great general, having defeated Union forces many times, particularly in the early part of the war. He surrendered after his losses in the North, Union victories in the South, and the depletion of supplies, making victory untenable.

One little bit of trivia most liberals are unaware of is their beloved U.S. Grant, who went on to switch parties and become a Republican and 18th President of the United States, was a slave owner prior to the start of the war (while he was still a Democrat).

History isn't always pretty. In fact, it can be quite ugly, but we should study it nonetheless to learn its lessons and avoid making the same mistakes a second time. Instead, Liberals believe this ugly chapter of our history should be removed from the history books completely. This is censorship at its worse.

The Civil War was what it was. We cannot change it by political correctness or deleting chapters. We must look at it in its entirety, warts and all.

I'm just disappointed we have to keep fighting the Civil War over and over again.

Keep the Faith!

Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.

Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb1557@gmail.com

For Tim's columns, see:   timbryce.com

Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.

Copyright © 2018 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.

Listen to Tim on WZIG-FM (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; Or tune-in to Tim's channel on YouTube. Click for TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS.

DON'T YOU FEEL BETTER?

BRYCE ON LIFE

- Stop asking. It's annoying.

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Some of you will remember a few years ago, I started to clean up my act. This usually happens in your sixties as you start to notice your friends beginning to pass away. I've been on this trip for at least three years now. Inevitably, people ask me how I feel. Well, I'll tell you...

CIGARS

I stopped smoking cigars three years ago as I found I wasn't really enjoying them anymore. It was an expensive habit which caused me to think about my health. People gave me a lot of "atta boy" compliments at the time as they admired my fortitude to quit. Recently though, somebody asked me if I felt better for staying off cigars for so long. Frankly, No, I didn't feel any better or worse for it. Shortly thereafter I quietly had a smoke with a friend and felt no different afterwards. I do not smoke as regularly as before, but I will sneak one now and then.

EXERCISE

I've been going to the gym regularly now for two years as part of my effort to reduce weight and improve myself physically. I'm still fairly strong but when I'm asked afterwards if I feel better for exercising, I most emphatically answer, "No." True, my muscle tone is better but I still feel the wear and tear of osteoarthritis, so I certainly do not come out of the gym dancing.

ALCOHOL

I knocked my sugar levels down by cutting fruit juices and soft drinks out of my diet, but I also gave up alcohol in the process. This is perhaps the biggest reason for my loss of weight. I imbibed in a glass of Scotch whiskey now and then as there is no sugar in it, but I certainly missed a quiet beer at the end of the day. Again, I've been asked, "Don't you feel better?" No, not really. My sugar numbers are excellent now, so once in awhile I'll treat myself to an ice cold Lite beer. I had forgotten how good it tasted.

FOOD

Based on my doctor's advice, I learned to avoid bread, pasta and sweets. It didn't bother me to drop the pasta and sweets, but I missed the bread. I haven't had a Publix sub in probably two years, and I eat mostly protein. I still stick to this regimen, but do I feel any better? Of course not.

WEIGHT

Between the exercise, change in diet and less alcohol, I dropped a significant amount of weight. Do I feel any better from losing the weight? Yes, but I sure do miss the Publix subs. The only problem I encountered along the way was my relatives who started to say I looked too skinny and sickly. You have to remember, these are the same people who encouraged me to lose the weight in the beginning. The lesson here is simple, you cannot win, no matter what you do.
 

Net, net, net, do I really feel better? Not really. I could keep on knocking myself out concentrating on my health, but I would probably miss the little things in life that make it enjoyable, such as an occasional cigar, a cold libation, and something decent to eat. I guess it is all a matter of moderation.

Now stop asking.

Keep the Faith!

Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.

Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb1557@gmail.com

For Tim's columns, see:   timbryce.com

Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.

Copyright © 2018 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.

Listen to Tim on WZIG-FM (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; Or tune-in to Tim's channel on YouTube. Click for TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS.

THE DEMOCRATS GO DOWN KICKING AND SCREAMING

BRYCE ON POLITICS

- "...if we are fortunate enough to win back the House and or the Senate, that's when civility can start again." - Hillary Clinton

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Over the last few years, the Democrats have tried to characterize their GOP opponents as racists, Fascists, xenophobes, homophobes, and yaddy yadda. These were all carried forward by the grassroots of their party to the point they chant it upon request. Hillary Clinton coined the word "deplorables" which was intended to take a swipe at the intelligence level of Republicans. It backfired though and became a Badge of Honor to some who proudly declared themselves as "deplorable Republicans."

Recently, I heard one talking head for the Democrats refer to Justice Kavanaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court as the start of the "1000 year Reich" (referring to Nazi Germany's Third Reich). Such an insult indicates the strain the Democrats are under to win in the midterm elections.

The intolerance of the left is also seen in the suppression of freedom of speech, particularly on college campuses who do not allow conflicting opinions other than the dogma of the Democrats. This has turned into some particularly ugly confrontations where Republican voices have been thwarted. This unidirectional approach to free speech helped trigger the #walkaway movement where Democrats who do not like what they see are divorcing themselves from their party.

Despite the outcome in the Justice Kavanaugh hearing, the Democrats persist in calling for his ouster. Senate Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi wants to release the FBI investigation to the public, and Congressional Democrats are threatening impeachment proceedings, assuming they take control of the Congress in November. In other words, they have no intention of giving up on Mr. Kavanuagh until he is removed from the Supreme Court. This is easier said than done. The last time a Justice was impeached by the House was Samuel Chase in 1805. Interestingly, the Senate acquitted him and Chase remained in office. As an aside, Justice Chase was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a representative of Maryland.

My concern though is the rising discord and belligerent behavior as seen at the Justice Kavanaugh confirmation in the U.S. Senate and on the Supreme Court steps. This could all easily escalate to violence as exemplified at a recent Antifa demonstration in Portland, Oregon, where police appeared reluctant to challenge the group. It appears this is becoming a regular happening within the city.

As we approach the midterm elections, I'm becoming concerned we will see intimidation at the voting precincts as we did in Philadelphia during the 2008 election. It is not difficult to believe young members of the far left may be organized and ready to stop Republicans from voting. I certainly hope this won't happen, but the Democrats are growing more desperate each day as their polling numbers plummet following the Kavanaugh controversy.

Their anger has been piqued by a president who is finally not afraid to stand up to the Democrats and related news media. The fact President Trump has been able to accomplish so much in his first two years of office, and undo a lot of the work of his predecessor, has enraged his opponents. The difference between this president and others is that he is a no-nonsense businessman who demands results, not a politician who is content to play political games.

As President Trump recently said at a rally in Topeka, Kansas (10/6/2018), "The Democrats have become too extreme and too dangerous to govern. Republicans believe in the rule of law, not the rule of the mob... You don't hand matches to an arsonist, and you don't give power to an angry left wing mob - and that's what they've become."

The President's message resonates with voters who prefer peace and prosperity over turmoil. By cultivating a culture of upheaval, the Democrats have ignored the economy. They also do not comprehend why most Americans want secured borders and immigration reform. Instead, they persist in the elimination of borders and promote Sanctuary Cities. This is simply a refutation of law and order, which may sit well with illegal immigrants (and potential future voters), but not with responsible American citizens.

Yes, it appears the tables have turned and the Democrats have been revealed to be the true party of hate. It is obvious they won't give up, not unless they are voted out of office.

One last note, to those of you faced with angry Democrats who confront you and call you names, do not stoop to their level. Just back away from them. If you're on social media, just delete their hate and your relationship with them. When all they can do is talk to themselves, you've won.

Keep the Faith!

Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.

Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb1557@gmail.com

For Tim's columns, see:   timbryce.com

Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.

Copyright © 2018 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.

Listen to Tim on WZIG-FM (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; Or tune-in to Tim's channel on YouTube. Click for TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS.